Discussion
First, the class helped me understand the meaning of culture where it refers to a specific system of knowledge that is shared by a specific group of people which is considered as the tradition of that group of people. Some of the things that constitute the system of knowledge include; concepts of the universe, religion, experiences, roles of the members, values, meanings, and language (Fry 93). Due to these differences in ideas, values and behavior a conflict may take place. These disagreements are referred to as cultural conflict (Lansford 3). From the different and diverse cultures expressed by each student, I felt that cultural differences can be a cause of conflict.
The class also helped me understand the diversity between different cultures. All the cultures are equally important no matter how different they are from ours. However, some ideas and beliefs are shared across most cultures. If a conflict arises, a mediator is required to carry out the mediation process so as to bring harmony between the two parties. I felt that is not possible to make one cultural group conform to the ideological beliefs of the other party and thus the main importance of the dispute resolution is to create a middle ground for the different parties. Various disputes arising from people of different cultures can be solved if every person can respect and acknowledge diversity (Blank 58).
For example, I learned that in India and Saudi Arabia women adore and highly respect men. They have little or no freedom of making crucial decisions in society. Cultures in the European countries and America give almost equal respect to either gender. Women make decisions and can disagree with men. In a society where cultures interact there is a chance of conflicts taking place like the Indian and Arabic men expect such respect from women. To solve this dispute the mediator should try to understand both cultures and strike a middle ground to bring harmony and co-existence.
Lessons learned are most important for me
I learned that every individual has a responsibility to help avoid and solve disputes arising from the cultural conflict. I also learned that a good mediator should know his or her own culture (Berry 57). A good mediator should also expect other people to have different expectations and views. There is no specific solution to each conflict thus the mediator should value both parties’ ideas to formulate a conclusion.
I understood the importance of listening to other people’s experiences and views. By listening to the various experiences and practices of people from different parts of the World, I not only understood various cultures but also the reasons behind such practices. It also revealed the points of departure of different cultures. A good mediator strives to be unbiased and respect both parties at all times (Deutsch 4). Understanding other cultures make me appreciate all cultures and gain more knowledge about their practices. This enhanced my skills to be a good mediator whenever a cultural conflict arises.
In conclusion, I understood that conflict resolution is a major tool that can be used to bring harmony to the World. We should always use the differences between our ideas, cultures, and views not to discriminate against others who are different from us but to appreciate them and learn from them (Wallensteen 89).
Works Cited
Berry, Bonnie. Social Rage Emotion and Cultural Conflict. New York: Garland Pub., 1999. Print.
Blank, Stephen. Conflict, Culture, and History Regional Dimensions. Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.: Air UP, 1993. Print.
Deutsch, Morton. The Handbook of Conflict Resolution Theory and Practice. San Francisco, Calif.: Jossey-Bass, 2000. Print.
Fry, Douglas P. Cultural Variation in Conflict Resolution: Alternatives to Violence. Mahwah, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum, 1997. Print.
Lansford, Tom. Conflict Resolution. Detroit: Greenhaven, 2008. Print.
Wallensteen, Peter. Understanding Conflict Resolution War, Peace, and the Global System. London: SAGE Publications, 2002. Print.